Category Archives: Amateur Radio (HAM)

This relatively new home brew transceiver kit from indo-ware offers a six HF bands and CW/LSB/USB modes. All interested for DIY can obtain the major boards on e-bay. Also, there is a great support group on Facebook.

For many, the biggest problem is to install the finished product into the appropriate box with a professional look. The first contact with any device will be through its front panel, so the first impression will be proportional to the effort you put into a look of the front panel. In the photos below, you can see a few examples of CNC machined front and back panels. The general dimensions are adaptable to suit your needs while design remains the same, given the type of DDS used for that transceiver.

If you need the front or the back plate for SSB 6.1 transceiver kit, or both of them, or maybe a front plate for any other device you built, please contact me at: emu.9a2gb(at)gmail.com

73 de Ivan
9A2GB

Views: (78)

Share by / Podijeli putem:

MR300 HF Antenna Analyzer
I have found this interesting HF Antenna Analyzer on our colleagues web site, Chinese amateur radio BG2XNN, Jason. I have to say that deal with Jason was pleasant, also delivery was a very quick. It took no more than 7 days, from China to Croatia. MR300 is not just antenna analyzer, it can measure capacity, inductance and other complex measurements on the antennas in the frequency range of 1 to 60 MHz.

I made a few quick tests with 50 Ohm dummy load (1-500 MHz), comparing MR300 measurement results with results measured on AW07A and on MFJ-259B, using the same dummy load.

All three devices have yielded an identical results in a measuring range of 1.8 to 54 MHz (SWR 1:1, impedance of 50 Z). MR300 is easy to use, very intuitive and has SCAN possibility (not found on the other two devices).

Measuring test on 6m / 50 MHz open dipole
Measurement was conducted on the reference open dipole antenna with known impedance (Z=75), SWR (1:1.5), on frequency of 50.150 MHz
Here are a measurement results:

These very small differences in the measured results found on all three devices are within declared tolerances. For amateur use all three devices are recommended. Differences are in the measurement range, measurement possibilities, and of course in the price.

Share by / Podijeli putem:

From today, a new GBCAT versions will be available to the amateur radio community as wide beta. Please, download and test it freely, and let us know your observations, opinions and suggestions.

Also, a new compiled GBCAT versions will be available for download just as a single GBCAT.EXE file. How to install a single GBCAT.EXE file: Rename the current version of GBCAT.EXE to _GBCAT.EXE, download a new compiled GBCAT.EXE release and just copy a single file to the GBCAT installation folder. Then start GBCAT and enjoy it.

I’m not satisfied with it I’m gonna say, but a tedious job of writing GBCAT instructions has become a big time gap for me, because I spend all my free time on GBCAT development.
From this version, there will be no detailed instructions so far. What is new in the new GBCAT version please find in “Whats_new_in_GBCAT” file, which will be published at www.9a2gb.net and also placed in the GBCAT installation folder.If someone wants to give me a hand for writing GBCAT guidelines, please let me know by mail, to: emu.9a2gb@gmail.com

News:

– Added a full support for Yaesu FT-450D.
– Auto-adaptive Polling Delay Loop: improved communication stability Rig to PC and vice versa.
– Generally improved GSCAN.
– Kenwood TS-2000: Now, you can GSCAN selected frequencies on your Sub Receiver while listening on the Main Receiver. Three selections are available: “Main-R: VFO B”, “Sub-R (CTRL only)”, “Sub-R (CTRL+PTT)”, “Cancel GSCAN”.
– Related to GSCAN feature, a new format for the FREQUENCY field in GSCAN Table is introduced. FREQUNECY field now has a space for 9 numeric characters. So, if you want GSCAN to scan 1.296.500,75 please enter “129650075” in your GSCAN table. If you want GSCAN to scan 7.100,60, please enter “710060” in your GSCAN table.
– New COM menu item added: “DTR Line”. Now, it is possible to turn DTR Line On (Hi state), or switch it Off (Low state). Initially, this setting is set to “On”. A new setting will be saved as a new line in the configuration file. Idea by YU7QA, Shile. DTR Line now may be used for CW keying.
– Kenwood TS-2000: New RX/TX Equalizer setting added (setting created by Bill, KJ6CEO).
– New GBCAT donor, menu Misc/About: Warren, W7WRU. Warren, thank you for supporting GBCAT development.
– New Misc menu *special item added: GBCAT PC-Lifetime users, with the following submenus:*Disable Splash screen (If GBCAT PC-LifeTime registration is activated, you will be able to disable Splash screen pop-up on GBCAT start.)*Yaesu (Submenu: FT-450D, Submenus: Rig Menu: Backup/Restore, Rig Settings: Backup/Restore)*Kenwood (Submenu: Kenwood TS-2000 with submenus: Rig Menu: Backup/Restore, Rig Settings: Backup/Restore, Submenu: Kenwood TS-590S with submenu: Rig Menu: Backup/Restore.)

Fixed bugs:

– GBCAT key: Detection and removal of unwanted empty space added by some HTML mailers.
– All Rigs: If you accidently enter a wrong key and got “GBCAT detected a wrong registration key” message after a new GBCAT start, GBCAT will try to delete a wrong key. If the key file isn’t deleted successfully, quit GBCAT, go to the GBCAT installation folder and delete “GBCAT.key” file manually. Be careful, do not delete any other GBCAT file, just file with the “key” file extension.
– Kenwood: DTMF operations (Button DT): PTT button will change a color to the red and back to the green when changing TX/RX mode.
– Kenwood TS-590S – APO adjustment now works as expected.
– Telnet Client, after Exit, button XCS-A now is enabled on GBCAT basic module.
– Telnet Client, if Grid data available, an approximate QRB will be calculated related to your WWL (QTH Loc).
– Made a few other minor bugs and cosmetics fixes.

***GBCAT has been free of charge from the beginning (since 2011), but if you find the software useful, donations of any amount are greatly appreciated.

Share by / Podijeli putem:

Aside

Improved, debugged, better than ever.
Beside the other features, added a full support for Yaesu FT-450D.

Are you Yaesu FT-450D owner?

Just a few questions for you:
Have you ever tried to set FM Narrow (FM-N) mode with your Yaesu FT-450D?
Mission impossible?
Now, If you ask yourself why I should use FM-N mode when FM is good enough, remember story about wide and narrow modulation types and related signal strength.
Gain tested and measured.
Have you tried to fill-up all of FT-450D’s 504 memories?
It is not a pleasure task, isn’t it?
Using 3rd party as FT-450D Memory manager, but not able to recall all of memorized settings, just frequency, mode, shift and and FQ status?
You don’t want to pay 50 USD for a commercial Memory Manager?
You want apply a full Reset, but before that you want also to save all of Yaesu FT-450D settings to a file on your disk?
You want a reliable and responsive support?
(Features described above available also for Kenwood TS-2000 and Kenwood TS-590S).

If all answers are “Yes“, try out new GBCAT – Computer Aided Transceiver, v1.4!

Share by / Podijeli putem:

Aside

What’s new in GBCAT v1.32?(Article written in English, Italian, Croatian and Russian language)Download GBCAT here.

New features:

Added support for Yaesu FT-817ND, a younger brother of Yaesu FT-817.

Some differences between FT-817ND and FT-817:

Display Color (Blue/Orange/Violet)

Display Contrast: This control use an unusual but the only possible way to change a Contrast value. After a new value is selected, your Rig will be turned off and switched on, to accept a new value. It will work as described only if power is supplied via the rear power connector. I don’t like it, but it is the only way (known to me) how this control can be implemented.

All rigs: Resume from Sleep or Hibernate. GBCAT will try to reinitialize a communication link with your rig after resuming from Sleep or Hibernate state. Saved in GBCAT.cfg, as the configuration option.

All rigs: Registering GBCAT now in a three easy steps. No more searching for GBCAT installation folder.

Yaesu FT-817/ND New Button M/V: Switch between Memory and currently active VFO. Not tested with the older models.

Yaesu FT-817/ND New Feature: Select and invoke desired Memory channel. Use Combo box “MEM CH” for selection and button “Set MC” for confirmation. Not tested with the older models.

Yaesu FT-817 Button Set AF (Antenna Front/Rear), strange behavior if both antennas connected, now working as expected.

Yaesu FT-857, FT-897, FT-817: DISC (discriminator) is now working as expected, only in FM modes.

All supported Yaesu and Kenwood: An appropriate S-meter face plate design will be invoked by “S” button, if Rig model is changed in the mean time.

All supported Yaesu and Kenwood: Bug in direct input of the new frequency is fixed and method is improved. An appropriate mask for the input field is now selected on GBCAT start. New frequency input can be performed with both PC keyboard and GBCAT green numeric buttons (Thanks to Alex, RA2FKD).

Yaesu FT-817/ND Power slider control: Power values now are shown from the lef (the lowest) to the right (the highest) side of the Power slider (Thanks to Alex, RA2FKD).

Kenwood TS-2000, Bandscope: Frequency flag now is shown in kHz, without leading zero.

Yaesu FT-817/ND, Improved EEPROM backup.

All rigs: changed “About”, as an expression of gratitude to all generous GBCAT donors. Thank you guys!

GBCAT is still in development. Any suggestion for the GBCAT improvements (as well as for bug reports) will be considered and implemented (or fixed) in one of the future GBCAT versions, if possible.

– Fixed problem with fonts on Windows XP.
– Menu Misc, item “Communication dialogbox” changed to “Easy Start dialogbox”. The first GBCAT start now is much easier than even before because of implemented communication speed dependent automatic Timings. Of course, for those who want to squeeze every ounce of speed, Timings are still configurable.
– Kenwood TS-590S bugfix: Sliders for the following controls now are initialized on GBCAT start: USB.Audio.out.Lvl, Acc2.AF-In.Lvl, Acc2.AF-Out.Lvl.
– According to many OM’s requests, default configuration value for Squelch now is 0 (no squelch).
– Kenwood TS-590S: Missed file for equalization feature now is packed with installation file.

– Band Scope improvements: Position mouse pointer and click on signal peak to stop the sweep and set the new VFO frequency (idea by Tim, KM4GUF (former KK4ZRZ)). Added FQ flag shown during band sweep. If you want to disable FQ flag, set signal index to 31.
– Added selection “Read Memory content at GBCAT start” in menu Rig/Kenwood: After the first GBCAT start, user is able to skip sometimes bored (but useful) Memory Channel content reading, or he can read it at GBCAT start as usual. If this selection is unchecked, „Set MC“ feature will not be loaded with the current memory channel data. Of course, it always can be loaded later.
– Added selection “TS-2000 Colored Buttons” in menu Rig/Kenwood: Use it if you like it.
– Added selection “Show info ‘Connected device is…’ at GBCAT start” in menu Rig/Kenwood: After the first GBCAT start, user is able to skip sometimes bored (but useful) info “Connected device is recognized as Kenwood…” etc. If you disable Memory channels content reading at GBCAT start, and this feature which also require user interaction, you may have GBCAT up and running within 8-15 seconds from the start, depending on how fast is your PC hardware, especially your hard drive unit.– Added selection “Graphic Adapter settings” in menu Misc: It will show you info about the current graphic adapter settings as well as the NSR info required for an appropriate analog s-meter setting. Close it with the red “X” at the top right, if no changes are made.

New features:– The full configurable analog S-meter simulation (idea by Tim, KM4GUF (former KK4ZRZ)) with possibility to load User designed S-meter face plates.

– Telnet Client with 1-click set VFO FQ feature, selection between the regular terminal view and tabular view, internal band filtering, approx. QRB calculation in the real time, and many other useful features.

There is also a few minor cosmetic changes (a button face plates redesign, the main FQ display without a phantom backgrounds, etc), as well as a few bug fixes which I forgot to write down, because writing manual is a time-consuming process for me. I hope that GBCAT users are power users who will know to find some undocumented changes. If anyone has a good will to update GBCAT manual and thus join to GBCAT development process, also to contribute to the HAM community on that way, please do not hesitate to contact me. GBCAT is free of charge, so any form of your help is welcome.

New GBCAT v1.3 will be available for download very soon. Wanted a few Windows 8.1 testers. If interested, Contact me at emu.9a2gb(at)gmail.com

Beside a COM port settings, which are different for almost every brand and RIG model, GBCAT has implemented a two important timing parameters related to a successfull communication between your RIG and GBCAT. These two parameters has been introduced to achieve the maximum communication performance:

These two timing parameters directly affect the communication between your RIG and GBCAT. A default values off these parameters are written in “GBCAT.cfg”, and represents a compromise values for most RIG brands and models. However, there are always differences, even among devices of the same manufacturer and the same model. Compromise is not always the best possible solution, so in some cases there may be a need for playing with these two timing parameters, to achieve the maximum communication performance.

The meaning of the parameters and rules of use:

RIG Polling Delay (in milliseconds), is a required time while GBCAT wait on response from your RIG. If the communication speed is higher, the response time is shorter, so the RIG Polling Delay value has to be lower.

TXD Line Polling Delay acts like a divider for the RIG Polling Delay value. The result is a value in milliseconds, which represents a time required for GBCAT data processing until a new RIG enquiry is generated. If the communication speed is higher, GBCAT processing time need to be shorter. According to that, the TXD Line Polling Delay value has to be higher.

Please, have a notice that these default values are tested on a few different RIG brands and models, and represents a recommended values for communication speed of 38400 bps. If you are using a speed lower than 38400 bps, please correct a default values for these timing parameters, according to rules of use.

Whether GBCAT could work without these additional timing parameters? Of course it could work without it, but what we wanted to achieve was not a snail’s crawling but cat’s hopping. In other words, we wanted to achieve effective RIG control and ergonomic RIG response at the same time. Therefore, if you want control your RIG better than mediocrity, please play with timing parameters to gain the CAT’s hopping. If you need any other hint or help, please, do not hesitate to contact GBCAT support, after you read GBCAT help file.

Required CAT cable for GBCAT and Kenwood TS-2000:

73 de Ivan
9A2GB
www.9a2gb.net
GBCAT support: emu.9a2gb(at)gmail.com

Screenshot: GBCAT v1.3 with a new features: Signal Strength Indicator with user defined face plates, Telnet Client for a most DX clusters, etc.

– Fixed bug (TS-2000, button “PWR”): after Power Off/On, Audio and Squelch are initialized again.
– Fixed bug (TS-2000): After GSCAN feature turned off, the following buttons unfortunately remained disabled: APO, FSK.R, iT2M, CALL, 2CALL.
– Fixed bug (TS-2000): TX and RX frequency labels are at correct position now.
– Fixed bug (TS-2000): Kenwood specific buttons MULTI/CH 1 step Up/Down now are shown correctly after NUMF/Set FQ features are performed
– Fixed bug (TS-2000): Sub receiver may stay turned on while GSCAN is activated. Control will be switched to the Main receiver.
– Fixed bug (TS-2000): While switching CTRL from Main to Sub and back, Squelch value changes while slider position stays unchanged.
– Fixed bug (TS-2000): Shown TX frequency now includes calculated repeater shift.
– Fixed bug (TS-2000): After switching VFO-A/VFO-B, the Power slider for the current Band now shows band power correctly.

A few minor bugs are also fixed, as well as a few minor cosmetic changes are applied. Please note that there has been a revision and extension of the GBCAT.CFG configuration file, so the old configuration file can’t be used with the new version of GBCAT.

Share by / Podijeli putem:

From version v1.2, GBCAT will be able to deal with the User mode Equalization. This new feature will be available for both the RX and TX modes for the Kenwood TS-2000. As you know, the TS-2000 has a few factory predefined EQ settings and User EQ mode as the last choice in the Menu #20 (RX equalizer) and in the Menu #21 (TX equalizer).

By default, you may set your TS-2000 to any factory predefined EQ setting, but that’s all folks. Unfortunately, the Kenwood engineers didn’t left the possibility to the user to self-create the EQ filters for a specific needs. It is the Kenwood’s secret, and it is possible to stay the unexposed for a while.

The GBCAT Development Team didn’t revealed that mystery, we just find not exactly a comfortable but usable way to create a new EQ filters for the User EQ mode. In the new GBCAT version, a whole bunch of 21 predefined EQ filters will be available to the GBCAT users, plus a few EQ filters made by other radio amateurs. Of course, all credits for the EQ filters collected from the other sources goes to their authors, which will be honored by mentioning of their Call signs.

The User mode EQ (DSP) function of the TS-2000 can be used in the form of four Filter types:

You can select any of predefined filter type and send it to the RIG immediately. Every filter may be used for the RX and for the TX mode. The new EQ adjustment will not affect any of the factory predefined filters, just and only the USER MODE EQ filter.

If you have a need for the specific filter currently not covered by GBCAT and it’s type is mentioned above, send the needed specific filter specifications to the support mail address.

We will try to create a new filter according to your specifications and include it in the next GBCAT version, using your CALLSIGN as the filter name.

As we have already published so far, GBCAT v1.2 will offer also a support for the Kenwood TS-590S. Take a look at it’s Equalizer screen.

Good news! Thanks to Dragan 9A6W, the process of developing support for the Kenwood TS-590S is on it’s way. A new feature will be added in the new GBCAT v1.2.

In the attached picture (messy work), with yellow color marked are so far realized CAT commands for the TS-590S. Marked red are the CAT commands which are different from the Kenwood TS-2000, which is used as the base for the development of support for the TS-590S.

COM2IP v1.1 new features:– added: Display switch off (can be activated from the GBCAT, in the Remote scenario only)
– added: The values for the Redirector’s Port and for the IP2COM’ Server IP are memorized in the COM2IP.CFG. Related to it, there are a two lines more in the COM2IP.CFG: LOP=port_number, RIP=IP_address.

COM2IP v1.1 modifications:– In order to keep reached communication quality for the all supported RIGs, the all communication routines are separated now.

Share by / Podijeli putem:

GBCAT – Remote control scenarioStep-by-step directions how to establish remote control of your HAM radio device.

Use GBCAT as remote control software for controlling your HAM radio device, with ability of 2-way transmission of audio signals. Stay away from harmful electromagnetic radiation coming from your strong Linear Power Amplifier, control your radio from a safe distance. Step by step instructions on how to establish control over your radio on your local area network (LAN) using GBCAT and COM2IP Redirector.

Share by / Podijeli putem:

Aside

GBCAT v1.0 – The first Public Release!

Finally, GBCAT – Computer Aided Transceiver v1.0, a new Windows software for controlling amateur radio devices through a COM/USB port or through a TCP/IP network, with the ability to transfer a 2-way audio signal over a TCP/IP network, is born!

Hardware requirements:
At least a single core processor PC, (recommended CPU clock is 1.7 GHz or higher), 2 MB RAM, a COM or USB port (USB to COM adapter if required), TCP/IP network card (for wired or wireless operation), and any of the supported radios connected to the COM port by a suitable cable/adapter.

GBCAT development has been ongoing for two years, and takes all of the author’s free time; nevertheless, GBCAT is free of charge, only the simple registration (Name and Call) is required.

I want to thank the all members of the GBCAT Beta Test team, who were testing GBCAT in the Beta phases, helping me to achieve GBCAT looks and works the way it does in version v1.0: Mike N7NMS, Kevin KG0MN, Jim K5LAD (also lecturer/proofreader), Sandor KG4FET, Brian KB3ORS, John G4IAL, Ian M1EHI, Drasko 9A4HP, Dzenan E77DD, Mladen 9A6DAC, Oto 9A4OP, Zlatko 9A6SJZ.

Share by / Podijeli putem:

Aside

GBCAT v0.9b9, “The Last Beta”

Members of the GBCAT Beta Test team can download and test GBCAT v0.9b9, (the last beta version before the first public release of GBCAT) here:We hope that almost a month, how much is left up to the first public release, will be enough for detecting any previously undiscovered bugs. The first public GBCAT release is planed for December the 25th 2013, as a gift under the Christmas tree.

GBCAT development has been ongoing for two years, and takes all of the author’s free time; nevertheless, GBCAT is free and will be free of charge.

GBCAT is still in development. Any suggestion for the GBCAT improvement (as well as bug report) will be considered and implemented (or fixed) in one of the future GBCAT versions, if possible.

The images above shows screenshots taken while the GBCAT controlled the following transceivers: Kenwood TS-2000(tm) and Yaesu FT-817(tm). Larger images can be found HERE.

What is GBCAT and which transceivers are supported, you can find HERE.
Forum for the GBCAT support can be found HERE.
What’s new in GBCAT v.09b9, “The Last Beta”, you can download and read HERE:

GBCAT is PC software for controlling amateur radio devices through a COM/USB port or through a TCP/IP network, with the ability to transfer a 2-way audio signal over a TCP/IP network. GBCAT is composed of three parts: the base module, the extended command set A, and the extended command set B. In the registered version, all modules retain their functions, regardless of whether they are displayed on the screen or not. The GBCAT installation package also contains: an integrated Remote Desktop Connection, an IPCOM Server/COM2IP Redirector, and an Audio Server/Client.

What’s new in GBCAT v0.9b8?

– Bug fix (TS-2000): SWAP button now correctly swaps frequencies between VFO-A and VFO-B, no matter which operating Mode is being used.

Set FQ
(button, for Yaesu FT-8×7 series, Kenwood TS-2000)
This feature allows direct entry of a new frequency value to the masked textbox. Setting a RIG to the new frequency has to be confirmed by click on “Set FQ” button. For Yaesu FT-8×7 series, this feature is available immediately, whenever GBCAT starts (test: Mladen, 9A6DAC). For Kenwood TS-2000, this feature is available by clicking the “NUMF” button, which has two functions: Switching the GBCAT to “Set FQ” feature and back to the “QM IN” feature, which is described later in this document.

Visual Scan range (slider)Power – RF/AF/Proc/Vox/Step This group of slider controls, pictured on the right, is now operational.Squelch control for Main and Sub receivers (slider)

GBCAT v0.9b8 for Beta Testers is available for Download only for a members of GBCAT Beta Test Team.

Download file size: 3.3 MB. All members of GBCAT Beta Test team will receive passwords for download by e-mail. To download a new GBCAT v0.9b8 please click on word “Download”, thank you. Support Forum: HERE

Ivan, 9A2GB.

Views: (1483)

Share by / Podijeli putem:

GBCAT is PC software for controlling amateur radio devices through a COM/USB port or through a TCP/IP network, with the ability to transfer a 2-way audio signal over a TCP/IP network. GBCAT is composed of three parts: the base module, the extended command set A, and the extended command set B. In the registered version, all modules retain their functions, regardless of whether they are displayed on the screen or not.

The GBCAT installation package also contains: an integrated Remote Desktop Connection, an IPCOM Server/COM2IP Redirector, and an Audio Server/Client.

Hardware requirements:
A PC powered by a single core processor, (recommended CPU clock is 1.7 GHz or higher), 2 MB RAM, a COM or USB port (USB to COM adapter if required), TCP/IP network card (for wired or wireless operation), and any of the supported radios connected to the COM port by a suitable cable/adapter and powered on.

Share by / Podijeli putem:

GBCAT v0.9b7 for Beta Testers is available for Download only for a members of GBCAT Beta Test Team.

Download file size: 2.7 MB. All members of GBCAT Beta Test team will receive passwords for download by e-mail. To download a new GBCAT v0.9b7 please click on word “Download”, thank you. Support Forum: HERE

What’s new in GBCAT v0.9b7? (all related to Kenwood TS-2000)

– Updated GBCAT_DocEN.doc, help file on English language (English spelling and grammar managed by Jim, K5LAD).
– Bug fix: Problem in Com to IP Redirector with connection to TCP/IP addresses, other than hardcoded, is resolved. COM2IP.exe is the integral part of GBCAT and COM2IP_v09b7.msi installation package. It is required for the RIG remote operation, over the wireless or wired IP network. You may find it in the GBCAT installation directory. I noticed a described problem after I had changed the IP address and port on one of the computers on my home network. Now, you may try to redirect the COM port of your remote computers again.
– Bug fix (thanks to Jim K5LAD): Problem in DX Summit Menu selection, with Set New FQ button, imported in v0.9b6, is resolved. Button Exit is added to simplify exit from DX Summit and return to the GBCAT main module.

GSCAN
GSCAN is a software featured Scan. It was developed (and tested) for Yaesu FT-8×7 and for Icom IC-706MKIIG. Because the Kenwood TS-2000 has many SCAN possibilities, I decided to reprogram this feature also for TS-2000 and enable it in the XCS-A group, under the GSCAN button. This feature is related to menu RIG, Edit GSCAN Table option. You may edit the GSCAN Table and save the new scan settings only while the GSCAN feature is disabled.

SCAN (Button)
Scan is a useful function for hands-off monitoring of your favorite frequencies. The SCAN button has start-stop functions: 1st click will start the Scan function, the 2nd click will stop the Scan function. It is so-called Normal, VFO Scan.

SCAN Mode (Slider)
Related to the Scan button, the Scan Mode slider has the same functions plus a few additional modes: Off, Scan, MHz, Visual, Tone, CTCSS and DCS Scan. If you start Scan by the Scan Mode slider, you may stop it also by one mouse click on the SCAN button. Please, note that not all of the Scan Modes information may be shown on the GBCAT screen, as they are shown on the RIG, because of lack of appropriate CAT commands.

PS.SLO (Button)
Program Scan partially slowed (ON/OFF). You can specify a maximum of 5 frequency points for each memory channel from 290 to 299 so that the Program Scan slows down the scanning speed. To specify the slow down frequency points, first program the start and end frequencies into a memory channel (290 ~ 299) {Owner Manual, page 67}.

PS.H5 (Button)
This function stops Program Scan for approximately 5 seconds, then resumes Scan when you jump to the desired frequency by turning the Tuning control or the MULTI/ CH control, or by pressing Mic [UP]/ [DWN].

PS.RM (Button)
Scan resume method function. The default is a time-operated mode. The transceiver stops scanning at the frequency (or memory channel) where a signal is detected. It then continues scanning according to which resume mode you have selected. You can choose one of the following modes:
• Time-Operated mode
The transceiver remains on a busy frequency (or memory channel) for approximately 6 seconds, then continues to scan, even if the signal is still present.
• Carrier-Operated mode
The transceiver remains on the busy frequency (or memory channel) until the signal drops out. There is a 2 second delay between signal dropout and scan resumption.

Kenwood TS-2000 Menu
Many functions on TS2K transceiver are selected or configured via a software-controlled Menu, rather than through the physical controls of the transceiver. Once familiar with the Menu system, you will appreciate the versatility it offers. You can customize the various timings, settings, and programming functions on this transceiver to meet your needs without using many controls and switches.

Simple Packet Radio Terminal
A packet is a group of bits (binary digits) structured and standardized that has contained within it the addressing information, message, error-checking and control information. The information is organized into a frame, i.e., a set-sized template for sending information. The Amateur X.25 protocol is the manner used to send frames. Both the sending and receiving TNC is programmed to encode into frames to be sent, and decode received frames.

If you are using GBCAT as CAT controller for your TS-2000 transceiver, it is assumed that you already have connected the serial interface of your computer with the COM-connector of the TS-2000. You still must adjust a couple of values in the menu of the TS-2000. Enter Menu #46 and choose the sub band as the data band. “TNC” sign should be seen in the right area of the Sub receiver display. Enter Menu #47 and choose 1200bps (or appropriate bps) as the transfer rate between the TNC (transceiver) and the ISS-PMS. Enter Menu #48 and choose DCD-sense as TNC-Band. The DCD is a method with which one impedes the internal TNC to send data if straight data traffic takes place on the QRG. Check for the transmission rate between PC and TNC (TS-2000) as the last, under Menu #56. It is 9600 baud, by default. Put the “Packet Operation” to “ON” under Menu #55. The letters “PKT” appear in the display above on the right. At the same time, you’ve started Simple Packet Radio Terminal, and you are ready to receive packets on your QRG. If you like to receive all or a different types of PR frames, use the following TNC commands: MCON (monitor other frames while connected), MALL (monitor connected and unconnected -unproto- frames), MCOM (monitor only data or all frames). Once you set all necessary PR settings, you may run Simple Packet Radio Terminal from GBCAT XCS-A module.

While you are in PR mode, the TS-2000 settings can’t be changed by GBCAT.

Simple Packet Radio Terminal is tested with Kenwood TS-2000 in two working conditions: Direct COM access and over the Home TCP/IP LAN (using COM2IP Redirector, the integral part of GBCAT installation package), and it works as expected in a both working conditions. It will be also available for the other rigs in the future.

English:
The purpose of GBCATcomEngineTest.exe is to test a new communication engine of GBCAT – Computer Aided Trainsceiver, with your Yaesu FT-857/897D radios. New COM Engine will be implemented in GBCAT v0.9b3

Method of testing:
– Connect your radio to a COM or USB port of your computer, using an appropriate adapter, turn on the computer. When Windows boots, turn on your radio.
– Run “GBCATcomEngineTest.exe” on your Windows platform
– Select the COM port to which your radio is connected to
– Select the Baud Rate at which your radio is operating
– Click on the button “Open COM”: if everything is OK, a button will lit green, and the program will show a data in the following fields:Frequency + ModeMemory Read (4 Ch)RIG Unlock (2 Ch)

RIG Polling Delay is set to the default value of 200 ms. Please, test a communication with your radio with higher and lower polling delay value. For your information, my FT-857D passed the 24-hour test at polling delay of 10 ms, which is 20 times faster access to the COM port than factory declared value.

I’ll be very grateful if you may publish your test results at our GBCAT forum, or email me at: emu.9a2gb@gmail.com.

6. Dodana klizna kontrola CW QSK, menu 024, “Selects the time delay between when the PTT is keyed and the carrier is transmitted during QSK operation when using the internal keyer.”, Opcije: 10/15/20/25/30 ms.

Share by / Podijeli putem:

Aside

The FT-857’s CAT System allows the transceiver to be controlled by a personal computer. This allows multiple control operations to be fully automated as a single mouse click, or it allows a third-party software package (such as GBCAT) to communicate with the FT-8xx without (redundant) operator intervention.

The Optional CAT Interface Cable CT-62 is a connection cable for the FT-857D and your computer. The CT-62 has a built-in level converter, allowing direct connection from the rear panel CAT/LINEAR jack to the serial port of your computer, without the need for an external RS-232C level converter box.

Yaesu CT-62 interface cable can be easily replaced with the simple home-made interface (click on schema to enlarge it).

Share by / Podijeli putem:

Aside

We are proud to announce a new HAM software from our development team: GBCAT, Computer Aided Transceiver software for Yaesu FT-857D transceiver. The FT-857D’s CAT System allows the transceiver to be controlled by a personal computer. This allows multiple control operations to be fully automated as a single mouse click, or it allows a third-party software package (such as GBCAT) to communicate with the FT-857D without (redundant) operator intervention.

GBCAT is composed of three parts: a base module, extended command set A, extended command set B. All three modules retain their function regardless of whether they are displayed on the screen. GBCAT will manage all of the functions available on the FT-857D, and after posting the first public version GBCAT, the program will be expanded with capabilities to manage other (available) radio devices with build CAT control.

GBCAT will be an integral part of GBCON for Windows, contest software for VHF/UHF/SHF, which is also in parallel development.

We invite all interested HAM radio operators to contact us by emailwith their votes for the next type of device that will supported by GBCAT. We also invite every owner of Yaesu FT-8xx series to contact us and join to our beta-test team, to test GBCAT before the public release.

Share by / Podijeli putem:

Aside

14th traditional HAM meeting, ZAGREB RADIO FEST is open yesterday, at September the 7th 2012 in Zagreb, at Jarun lake. Visit this HAM fair also if you aren’t HAM, also, read this interesting article at ZAGREBAČKI RADIOAMATERSKI SAVEZhomepage.

Code is Poetry, Life is Code.

9A2GB
Fusion of good food, useful software, HAM Radio & good will.

This is a personal blog with no intention to make money of it. I have no commercial ties to any manufacturer or supplier. Links to manufacturers, suppliers or products do not imply that I endorse them in any way.

All published materials are property of www.9a2gb.net, if another source is not specified. Copying and publication of articles, images and materials from 9A2GB pages to other media is permitted only with the author's name quotation and with a link to the source page.

the grains of wisdom

As the Number of Lines of code increases,
the number of bugs generated by fixing a bug
increases exponentially.

Programming today is a race between software engineers striving to build bigger and better idiot-proof programs, and the Universe trying to produce bigger and better idiots. So far, the Universe is winning. (Rich Cook)

“Anyone who considers arithmetic methods of producing random digits is, of course, in a state of sin.” - John von Neumann.

"I am often asked how radio works. Well, you see, wire telegraphy is like a very long cat. You yank his tail in New York and he meows in Los Angeles. Do you understand this? Now, radio is exactly the same, except that there is no cat." - Albert Einstein.

"Believe those who are seeking the truth; doubt those who find it." -Andre Gide.

"Three ways to fix things: The right way, the other way, and maybe your way, which is possibly a faster wrong way."